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Top of the class

EDITOR'S NOTE: They have the highest grade point averages, but it doesn't stop there. Community service, extra activities and ambitious goals make these private school students the Best of the Best for 2004. This completes our tribute to these outstanding individuals. The Top of the Class page will resume in August.

CLEARWATER CENTRAL CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL

VALEDICTORIAN: Lindsey Ann Grover

PLANS: Majoring in elementary education at Flagler College, St. Augustine

SENIOR ACTIVITIES: National Honor Society president, Math Honor Society secretary, Spanish Honor Society, Model United Nations vice president, literary magazine editor, student council, Spanish Club, Student Ambassador, homecoming week festivities and ballet

SENIOR COMMUNITY SERVICE: Volunteer for Notre Dame Interparochial School and Big Brothers Big Sisters, a table leader for CCD and a youth representative on my parish council

THE REASON FOR MY SUCCESS: I am self-motivated and try my best in all that I do.

DIFFICULTIES I'VE OVERCOME: Finding a way to be involved and active in a school 45 minutes away from my house when I couldn't drive.

THE BIGGEST CHALLENGE FACING YOUNG PEOPLE TODAY: I think that young people today must overcome the misconception that we are lazy and carefree. We must prove to the generations that came before us how concerned we are for the well-being of the world we live in.

ADVICE I WOULD GIVE A FRESHMAN: Get involved in your school community right away by joining clubs and sports teams. It is only through involvement that lasting friendships will be formed a sense of belonging discovered. Always be open to try something new.

PARENTS: Karen and George Grover of New Port Richey

SALUTATORIAN: Kristy Bykowski

PLANS: Majoring in finance at Boston College, Chestnut Hill, Mass.

SENIOR ACTIVITIES: Varsity swim team captain, Model United Nations secretary, Spanish Honor Society, Math Honor Society, National Honor Society and Academic Team.

SENIOR COMMUNITY SERVICE: Multiple Sclerosis walk, and volunteer for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Pinellas County, Notre Dame Interparochial school and the Angel Tree Program, collecting and wrapping Christmas presents for foster kids in Hernando County.

THE REASON FOR MY SUCCESS: My strong values and family influence

DIFFICULTIES I'VE OVERCOME: I have learned to relax and have faith in myself especially when it comes to taking tests.

WHAT I WOULD LIKE TO CHANGE MOST ABOUT THE WORLD: I would like to end conflict in the world and have people respect others more

MY GREATEST FEARS ABOUT THE FUTURE: Not finding a career that I am happy with and successful in. Also, having to wake up before 11 a.m. and having to do my own laundry.

PARENTS: Victor and Kathleen Bykowski of Holiday

VALEDICTORIAN: Will Simpson

PLANS: Attending Hubbard College of Administration, Los Angeles

SENIOR ACTIVITIES: Basketball

SENIOR COMMUNITY SERVICE: Clearwater Volunteers

THE REASON FOR MY SUCCESS: Studying hard and using L. Ron Hubbard's study technology setting goals and making it happen despite obstacles

THE BIGGEST CHALLENGE FACING YOUNG PEOPLE TODAY: Drugs and mainly caving to peer pressure and not maintaining their own integrity and not being themselves.

ADVICE I WOULD GIVE A FRESHMAN: Set goals and do your best

PARENTS: Karen and Bill Simpson of Clearwater

CALVARY CHRISTIAN HIGH SCHOOL

VALEDICTORIAN: Rachel JoAnn Compton

PLANS: Majoring in interior design at Carson-Newman College, Jefferson, City, Tenn.

SENIOR ACTIVITIES: Interact Club president, Rho Kappa honor society historian, high school football statistician, senior class planning committee homecoming, Powder Puff football and work at Jo-Ann Fabrics and Crafts

SENIOR COMMUNITY SERVICE: Through Interact Club I collected money for children with leukemia, participated in a food drive, sponsored a child in Guatemala through World vision, volunteered for a community Easter Egg Hunt, and collected items for underprivileged children, families, Nicaraguan and Haitian children. Also took a mission trip to Guatemala, took part in Kid's World Outreach, Heartline and was Pregnancy Center donation chairperson for my youth group.

THE REASON FOR MY SUCCESS: My savior Jesus Christ has always given me everything I need and has provided more blessings than I could ever have imagined possible. My parents have also provided so much support and encouragement and the willingness to help whenever they can.

THE BIGGEST CHALLENGE FACING YOUNG PEOPLE TODAY: I think that stereotypes are the biggest challenge. Kids enter high school with preconceived ideas of who they are, based on someone else's opinions and often they become who others think they are instead of deciding who they are for themselves. People are often not hindered by their own ability but by their perception of the situation they are in.

ADVICE I WOULD GIVE A FRESHMAN: Not to stress about grades and school. Both are important and you should do your best, but make sure you have plenty of fun, too.

PARENTS: David and Pamela Compton of Clearwater

SALUTATORIAN: Michael A. Johnson

PLANS: Attending Belmont University, Nashville

SENIOR ACTIVITIES: National Honor Society, Rho Kappa History Honor Society, Choir School and Church Praise Band, Youth Group Servant Team and Student Government.

SENIOR COMMUNITY SERVICE: Church music and Praise Band

THE REASON FOR MY SUCCESS: The support of my family and my belief in Jesus Christ

WHAT I WOULD LIKE TO CHANGE MOST ABOUT THE WORLD: I would like people to learn to love one another and strive to service other people above themselves.

ADVICE I WOULD GIVE A FRESHMAN: Enjoy your high school experience. Try to stay focused and work hard.

PARENTS: William Johnson of Clearwater, and Cynthia and Doug Cosby of Clearwater

CO-VALEDICTORIAN: Douglas Kingsley

PLANS: Majoring in business administration at the University of Tampa

SENIOR ACTIVITIES: Student ambassador, student of the year and the DAR's State of Florida Junior American Citizens Essay Contest winner

SENIOR COMMUNITY SERVICE: Volunteer peer tutor

THE REASON FOR MY SUCCESS: Desire and hard work

DIFFICULTIES I'VE OVERCOME: The neurological disorder, Dysgraphia, a form of Dyslexia that prevents me from writing by hand. Instead, I use a computer and printer to write.

ADVICE I WOULD GIVE A FRESHMAN: Freshman often think that they won't fit in with the upperclassmen. However, if they give themselves a chance, they will soon find that they do fit in.

PARENTS: Cecil and Kathleen Kingsley of Clearwater

CO-VALEDICTORIAN: Ashley D. Sweet

PLANS: Majoring in psychology at the University of Deland

SENIOR ACTIVITIES: Student Ambassador, student government, the DAR's Junior American Citizens Contest award winner and earning 27 college credits

SENIOR COMMUNITY SERVICE: 4-H, Youth As Resources and peer tutor.

THE REASON FOR MY SUCCESS: I have always remained true to myself, and it has been my drive to lead, not follow, that has propelled me here.

DIFFICULTIES I'VE OVERCOME: Walking the tightrope through peer pressure and balancing who I am with where I fit in, without jeopardizing my personal values.

WHAT I WOULD LIKE TO CHANGE MOST ABOUT THE WORLD: I would like to change the morality of the government as not to lie, cheat and steal to win power and domination, but to work with honesty and unity to achieve global calm.

THE BIGGEST CHALLENGE FACING YOUNG PEOPLE TODAY: The media and their control of the youth, with their airbrushed images and obscure view of perfection. Teens are constantly walking on eggshells to fit in, harboring insecurities and feeling inadequate and imperfect because the latest fashion magazine deems their sneakers "out."

PARENTS: Curtis Sweet of Clearwater and Virginia Bergeron of Placida.

SALUTATORIAN: Joshua Lee Greenfield

PLANS: Majoring in computer science at the University of Central Florida, Orlando

SENIOR COMMUNITY SERVICE: Math tutor and teaching assistant in biology

WHAT I WOULD LIKE TO CHANGE MOST ABOUT THE WORLD: The use of natural resources needs to be restructured so that underdeveloped nations can produce the food and energy that they need to become self-supporting and viable members of the world community.

THE BIGGEST CHALLENGE FACING YOUNG PEOPLE TODAY: The growing national debt coupled with the shrinking job market.

PARENTS: Steven J. and Joyce D. Greenfield of Palm Harbor

VALEDICTORIAN: Amit Patel

PLANS: Majoring in chemistry at the University of Miami

SENIOR ACTIVITIES: Varsity soccer, varsity tennis, dual-enrollment at St. Petersburg College (graduated from SPC with AA degree). Worked 30-35 hours per week

SENIOR COMMUNITY SERVICE: Completed 132 Hours working in a Soup Kitchen (feeding the poor) and Habitat for Humanity

THE REASON FOR MY SUCCESS: Hard work and perseverance

DIFFICULTIES I'VE OVERCOME: Staying focused on school while working, playing sports, and fulfilling daily responsibilities

THE BIGGEST CHALLENGE FACING YOUNG PEOPLE TODAY: Resisting drugs and alcohol. These addictions cause people to lose focus.

ADVICE I WOULD GIVE A FRESHMAN: Set your goals high: stay focused and do your best to accomplish them.

PARENTS: Suresh and Kusum Patel of Clearwater

SALUTATORIAN: David T. Heaslip, Jr.

PLANS: Majoring in pre-med at the University of Miami, SENIOR ACTIVITIES: National Honor Society, student ambassador, Senior Bible Study, varsity golf

SENIOR COMMUNITY SERVICE: 103 hours working with Meals on Wheels, math tutoring, Guatemala missions, D&D Missions work, disaster relief missions, Toys for Tots, church youth group and church set-up.

THE REASON FOR MY SUCCESS: My faith in Christ and hard work are the reasons for my success.

DIFFICULTIES I'VE OVERCOME: My greatest difficulty has been to stay focused on schoolwork.

THE BIGGEST CHALLENGE FACING YOUNG PEOPLE TODAY: Following their dreams.

ADVICE I WOULD GIVE A FRESHMAN: Do not allow distractions to keep you from staying focused on school. Always work hard.

PARENTS: David and Linda Heaslip of Largo

VALEDICTORIAN: Rebecca L. Carmichael

PLANS: Majoring in mathematics at Clearwater Christian College

SENIOR ACTIVITIES: National Honor Society, senior class president, varsity volleyball and softball teams captain, Who's Who among American High School Students, National Merit commended scholar.

SENIOR COMMUNITY SERVICE: Volunteer for North Greenwood Public Library, children's choir co-leader at church and teacher assistant in the toddler room at church

THE REASON FOR MY SUCCESS: The Lord has given me the mind that I have and He deserves all the credit for my success. I would not have been (at this school) since preschool if it hadn't been for God's perfect placement. Being at a small school like Lakeside has helped me to receive personal attention from the teachers who allowed me to strive the most I could.

THE BIGGEST CHALLENGE FACING YOUNG PEOPLE TODAY: Fitting in. Everyone is different and keeping these differences is something that is very important. Young people are trying to change things about themselves that make them unique so that they can fit in with the right group when they should be satisfied with who they really are.

ADVICE I WOULD GIVE A FRESHMAN: You need to produce good time-management skills early in high school and life because procrastination can become a stumbling block to even the brightest people. Set standards for yourself to keep your leisure time from turning into lazy time.

PARENTS: James and Leanne Carmichael of Clearwater

SALUTATORIAN: Torrey Clifford Taylor

PLANS: Majoring in pre-law at Eckerd College

SENIOR ACTIVITIES: Varsity baseball and varsity golf

SENIOR COMMUNITY SERVICE: Community cleanups and helping the elderly

THE REASON FOR MY SUCCESS: Working at everything with all of my heart

DIFFICULTIES I'VE OVERCOME: Transition from elementary to middle school

THE BIGGEST CHALLENGE FACING YOUNG PEOPLE TODAY: Easy access to sin

ADVICE I WOULD GIVE A FRESHMAN: Plan ahead and don't procrastinate

PARENTS: Clifford Taylor of Safety Harbor and Linda Taylor of Palm Harbor

VALEDICTORIAN: Shequita Chantal Upshur

PLANS: Majoring in pre-med at the University of South Florida

SENIOR ACTIVITIES: Honor society, worship team, chorus soccer, basketball, softball and tutor

SENIOR COMMUNITY SERVICE: Teaching primary Sunday school and volunteering in the school office

THE REASON FOR MY SUCCESS: My mom

DIFFICULTIES I'VE OVERCOME: Shyness

MY GREATEST FEARS ABOUT THE FUTURE: Will I be successful?

ADVICE I WOULD GIVE A FRESHMAN: Do not procrastinate! Time flies and you will regret it if you do.

PARENTS: McKenzie and Helen Upshur of Oldsmar

CO-SALUTATORIAN: Kathryn Heaberlin

PLANS: Attending St. Petersburg College and majoring in elementary education at Trinity College, New Port Richey

SENIOR ACTIVITIES: Honor society, art, piano, chorus and homecoming committee

SENIOR COMMUNITY SERVICE: Tampa Bay Dream Center/Rock Church, worship team, Sunday school teacher

THE REASON FOR MY SUCCESS: Jesus, my parents and, as my math teacher, Mrs. Warren would say, "consistency in my work."

DIFFICULTIES I'VE OVERCOME: The absence of the Lord in my life. This past year, I have tried to do things my own way without God. I soon truly realized that without Him, I am capable of nothing. I feel that I have wasted my senior year by pursuing things in this world and rejecting my savior. Although I face troubles when I am close to Jesus, the trials do not seem as difficult because I know that He is there for me, helping me through them.

WHAT I WOULD LIKE TO CHANGE MOST ABOUT THE WORLD: I would want everyone to feel the love of Jesus the way that I do. If everyone placed God first, we would be more concerned with what God thought about what we were doing rather than wondering what others thought.

THE BIGGEST CHALLENGE FACING YOUNG PEOPLE TODAY: God and the ongoing quest for truth. Many would say the biggest challenge is sex drugs or drinking, however, I believe that these are just a few of the issues that cover up the underlying problem that we, both young and old are searching for the truth.

PARENTS: David and Anita Heaberlin of Oldsmar

CO-SALUTATORIAN: Nicole Yurkiewicz

PLANS: Attending the International Academy of Design and Technology and pursuing a bachelors degree in interior design.

SENIOR ACTIVITIES: Volleyball and softball teams captain, honor society, and homecoming committee

SENIOR COMMUNITY SERVICE: Volunteer junior high volleyball coach

THE REASON FOR MY SUCCESS: My savior and the constant source of love and encouragement from my family

DIFFICULTIES I'VE OVERCOME: Criticism for pursuing what I love.

WHAT I WOULD LIKE TO CHANGE MOST ABOUT THE WORLD: I would share the gospel with people of every race and nationality.

THE BIGGEST CHALLENGE FACING YOUNG PEOPLE TODAY: Overcoming the persona of a suicidal and out-of-control generation.

PARENTS: William and Denise Yurkiewicz of Oldsmar